Commercial Lighting Trends in 2017
2016 was the year of the LED retrofit. The 4 ft. LED Tube continues to be the number one selling bulb in America. Now that LED lighting is steadily becoming the norm, people are implementing even more ways to improve commercial lighting. With the year halfway gone, there are some very noticeable trends in the world of commercial lighting. From lights that change with the situation to smart lights, here are some popular lighting trends happening now.
Motion Sensors
One trend in commercial lighting is the addition of motion sensors, also known as occupancy and vacancy sensors. These handy devices allow offices, warehouses, or even public restrooms to lower energy costs without needing to change routines or fixtures. Occupancy sensors turn the lights on automatically when someone enters the room by detecting movement and back off when the room is vacant and no motion is detected. Vacancy sensors must be manually turned on when entering a room, but turn the lights off automatically after a programmed time of no detected movement.
Mobile Lighting
Yes, there is an app for that. In an age where you can order dinner, turn on the TV, and even close your window shades with your phone, why not control your lights as well? This trend first gained popularity in the residential market last year with the advent of products like the Philips Hue and the GE Link but has quickly caught on in the commercial world as well. Controlling lights via wifi or Bluetooth allows employers to quickly and easily customize lighting to fit the situation. Lights can be dimmed and faded to a warmer color temperature during a Kindergarten class naptime or the office Christmas party and made brighter with a cooler color temperature during work hours to help increase productivity.
Interactive Lighting
One recent design trend with a lot of potential is lights that allow individuals to interact with them. Using for this type of lighting can be practical and functional like LED modules in a dressing room that allow shoppers to see how their new outfit will look in daylight versus how it looks at night. They can also be just for fun like a wall of LEDs that follows passengers down the moving sidewalk in airports. Interactive lighting is sure to gain momentum in 2017.
Utilizing Daylight
Let’s face it, many of us spend most of our day indoors, but natural sunlight is proven to be healthier for us. We’re seeing more and more businesses utilizing large open windows to pull some of the outdoors inside. These rooms benefit greatly from the addition of vacancy sensors. That way the light is only turned on when needed and not when the room gets plenty of sunlight, but still turns off automatically to prevent wasted energy. Even spaces without windows are using LED technology to mimic color temperatures designed to resemble daylight.
See what other new developments are happening in commercial lighting by watching our video.
